ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Need to preserve mother earth for betterment of human beings’ – Union Minister Shripad Naik
‘World Soil Day’ celebrated at ICAR, Goa
Goa, 5 December 2022
ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa today celebrated ‘Word Soil Day’. The theme of World Soil Day for the year 2022 is ‘Soils: Where food begins’. Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Tourism Shri. Shripad Naik attended and addressed the programme. Soil Health Cards were distributed to the farmers on this occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Shripad Naik appealed to scientists to focus on organic farming. He appealed to agricultural scientists to give maximum emphasis on not allowing soil texture to deteriorate. "Soil is our mother who nurtures us. So we should take care to maintain balance by using minimum chemical fertilizers. Designing crop patterns according to the ‘Agro climatic zone’ is essential as is encouraging intercropping. These steps need to be taken effectively", said Shri Naik.
Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary  and Director General , who was Guest of Honour joined the programme virtually. In his address, he emphasized on soil health card schemes and ‘neem’ coated urea to increase fertilizer use efficiency. He urged all to work together to save the soil.
Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Deputy Director General , ICAR, New Delhi who was also Guest of Honour, briefed about the importance of soil in food production. He highlighted the issues related to land degradation and soil health restoration. He also stressed on bringing school students and stakeholders who are not directly related to research under soil day programme to make them aware about soil health.
Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI in his welcome address briefed about the history behind celebrating World Soil Day. He emphasized on the importance of soil and stressed upon maintaining good soil health to get healthy food for all. More than 100 farmers joined physically and about 6000 scientists, technical staff of ICAR joined the program virtually across the nation. On this occasion, soil health cards were also distributed to the 100 farmers.
Background
World Soil Day is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences  in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.PIB Panaji | Gautam SK/S.Thakur/D.Rane
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Prime Minister's Office
Government is making constant efforts to improve connectivity: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has said that the government is making constant efforts to improve connectivity to enhance convenience for the people.
Shri Modi was replying to a tweet by Shri Rajesh Chudasama, Member of Parliament regarding how UDAN scheme is making air travel available and accessible to common citizens.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"કનેક્ટિવિટી વધારવાનો અમારો સતત પ્રયાસ છે જેથી લોકોને સુવિધા ઉપલબ્ધ થાય…."
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Ministry of Communications
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Position of transactions in Post offices during Covid-19 lockdown
The details of transactions in Post offices during Covid-19 lockdown are as below:
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Sl. No.
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Monitoring Parameter
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Position
as on 26th March
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Position
as on 27th March
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Position
as on 28th March
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1.
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No of POSB Transactions
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6,38,806
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7,33,614
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6,45,320
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2.
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Value of POSB Transactions
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Deposit - Rs 491.91 cr
Withdrawal – Rs 264.76 cr
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Deposit - Rs 533.06 cr
Withdrawal – Rs 313.31 cr
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Deposits-Rs 590.32 cr
Withdrawals –Rs 318.89 cr
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3.
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No of IPPB Transactions
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1.63 Lakh
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1.57 Lakh
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1.18 Lakh
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4.
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Value of IPPB Transactions
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Rs 49.35 cr
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Rs 47.13 Cr
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Rs 32.14 cr
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5.
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NO of AePS Transactions
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6874
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7938
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8577
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6.
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Value of AePS transactions
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RS 3.11 cr
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Rs 3.33 cr
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Rs 3.63 cr
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7.
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Number of ATM Transactions
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10691
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9912
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10984
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8.
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Value of ATM Transactions
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Rs 5,57,28,400
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Rs 3,03,19,600
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Rs 3,22,12,350
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9.
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No of PLI transactions
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9746
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12251
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10190
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10.
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Value of PLI transactions
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Rs 3,44,40,557
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Rs 4,02,33,657
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Rs 3,23,38,626
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11.
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No of RPLI transactions
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16308
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21617
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28045
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12.
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Value of RPLI transactions
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RS 1,58,65,807
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Rs 2,34,25,940
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Rs 2,79,01,000
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13.
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No of Speed Post, registered letters, parcels delivered and Money orders paid
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45766
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58121
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46892
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Special Service and Features
STUDENTS VISIT TO INDIAN NAVY SHIPS ON THE OCCASION OF NAVY DAY-2022
Around 540 students from 04 schools of Chennai area visited onboard Indian navy ships at Chennai on 29 and 30 November 2022. The visit was organised by Headquarters-Tamilnadu and Puducherry Naval Area, as part of Navy Day Celebrations-2022 to inspire the young children to get the basic understanding of the Indian Navy and challenges in functioning at deep sea for safeguarding the nation and motivate them to join Armed Forces. The students were given a guided tour of the ships. This was followed by interactive sessions with the young minds.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
As part of the ongoing AzadikaAmritMahotsav, ShriRameswarTeli honors 75 Eminent Citizens
As part of the ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Government of India’s initiative to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence, Shri RameswarTeli, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Labour and Employment, honored 75 eminent citizens of Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat districts of Assam in ONGC office premises, Nazira on August 25th, 2021.
Minister of State RameswarTeli honors Shri Reba Kant Mahanta for latter’s contribution in making Bamboo Masks
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Teli said the idea of celebrating India’s Independence as AzadikaAmritMahotsav is conceptualised by Hon’ble PM of India, Shri Narendra Modi. There are several programmes lined up to commemorate this important of year of India Independence.
The eminent persons who have contributed in various spheres of development of the nation includes Freedom-fighters, Agriculture, Science, Sports, Education and Social Service were felicitated on the occasion.
The program was graced by Shri Jogen Mohan Assam’s Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Hills Area Development, Mines and Minerals, and other dignitaries.
YB
Prime Minister's Office
PM to visit Lucknow on 28th and 29th July
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will visit Lucknow on 28th and 29th July.
On the 28th, he will attend an event on "Transforming Urban Landscape." This will mark the third anniversary of three key Government initiatives related to Urban Development. These include: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana ; Atal Mission for Rejuvenation of Urban Transformnation ; and the Smart Cities Mission.
The Prime Minister will visit an exhibition on Flagship Missions of Urban Development. He will interact with 35 beneficiaries of PMAY  - one from each State/UT.
He will receive feedback from PMAY beneficiaries, via video link, from different cities of Uttar Pradesh.
He will lay the Foundation Stone for various projects under Flagship Missions, in Uttar Pradesh. He will also address the gathering.
In its endeavour to attract investments and promote industrialisation, the Government of Uttar Pradesh had organised the UP Investors Summit in February 2018. This led to generation of investment intent worth more than Rs. 4.28 lakh crore across sectors like Renewable Energy, Infrastructure, Power, IT & Electronic Manufacturing, Tourism etc.
Within a few months, investment proposals for 81 projects amounting to an investment of about Rs. 60,000 crore have now materialised for Ground Breaking. The Prime Minister will attend a Ground Breaking Ceremony for these projects in Lucknow on 29th July.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
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India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 216.83 Cr
Over 4.08 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years
India's Active caseload currently stands at 47,379
4,043 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.71%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 1.81%
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 216.83 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March, 2022. So far, more than 4.08 Cr  adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April, 2022 onwards.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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1,04,14,884
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2nd Dose
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1,01,14,247
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Precaution Dose
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69,48,111
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FLWs
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1st Dose
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1,84,36,209
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2nd Dose
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1,77,11,428
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Precaution Dose
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1,35,17,025
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Age Group 12-14 years
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1st Dose
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4,08,32,053
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2nd Dose
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3,12,86,043
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Age Group 15-18 years
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1st Dose
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6,18,79,548
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2nd Dose
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5,28,63,283
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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56,10,99,251
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2nd Dose
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51,51,04,281
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Precaution Dose
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8,60,62,831
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
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20,39,99,362
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2nd Dose
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19,68,10,115
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Precaution Dose
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4,49,74,937
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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12,76,47,450
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2nd Dose
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12,30,39,681
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Precaution Dose
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4,55,83,796
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Precaution Dose
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19,70,86,702
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Total
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2,16,83,24,537
India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 47,379. Active cases now constitute 0.11% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.71%. 4,676 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,39,67,340.
4,043 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 2,95,894 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 89.20 Cr  cumulative tests.
Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 1.81% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 1.37%.
President's Secretariat
President of India addresses 83rd Convocation of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra
he President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the 83rd Convocation of the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, today .
Addressing the students, the President said the University had an illustrious history going back nearly nine decades and had produced Presidents, Prime Ministers and stalwarts in many walks of life. He urged the students to see the convocation not as the end of a journey but the commencement of a new phase of responsibility and learning. He also said that many people had contributed to their education – their parents, teachers, family members, and others in government and society. These people had contributed to giving the graduating students an opportunity that millions in our country are unable to get. Therefore, it was the duty of the graduating students to pay back society in some way, and work for the cause of humanity.
The President noted that the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University has adopted a primary school, taken responsibility for education of underprivileged children in a model school, run cornea transplant programmes and organised blood donation camps. He appreciated such efforts and said they were commendable. Such efforts made students sensitive and responsible towards society. The President expressed confidence that the University would continue to play a meaningful role in preparing our younger generation for the challenges of the 21st century.
Ministry of Defence
India and US to set-up joint working group in defence industrial security
Key highlights:
- Held to develop protocol for exchange of classified information between defence industries of both countries
- In-principle agreement to establish Indo-US Industrial Security Joint Working Group
- Group to meet regularly to align policies for defence industries to collaborate on critical defence technologies
The Industrial Security Agreement  summit between India and the United States was held between September 27to October 01, 2021 at New Delhi. The summit was organised to develop protocol for the exchange of classified information between the defence industries of both the nations. The Summit was led by Designated Security Authorities  namely Shri Anurag Bajpai and Mr David Paul Bagnati from Indian and US sides respectively.
The ISA was signed in December 2019 to facilitate the exchange of classified information between the defence industries of both the countries. It was held to create a roadmap for the implementation of the ISA. The DSAs also visited Indian defence industry in preparation for the roadmap.During the summit, both the sides agreed in-principle to establish the Indo-US Industrial Security Joint Working Group. This group will meet periodically to align the policies and procedures expeditiously that will allow the defence industries to collaborate on cutting edge defence technologies.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy
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Ministry of Law and Justice
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Morocco in the legal field
The Union Cabinet chaired by chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for signing of the MoU for cooperation in the legal field between India and Morocco, in order to share their experience and expertise in the field of law and legislation.
The MoU will give an opportunity to the Lawyers, Law Officers and law students to discuss issues in the field of law and justice in seminars, symposiums and workshops arranged by authorities of India and Morocco.
Ministry of Education
HRD Minister chairs the Meeting of the Executive Board of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language
The funding of Urdu Council has been increased from Rs. 45 crores in the year 2013-14 to Rs. 84 Crores in the year 2019-20 – HRD Minister
Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ chaired a Meeting of the Executive Board of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language to discuss various issues concerning the Council, particularly for the Promotion of Urdu Language inside and outside the country in New Delhi today.
During the meeting, Union HRD Minister inaugurated the new website of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language. A presentation of the activities of the NCPUL and a Vision Document relating to the activities to be carried out by the Council in the next five years was also presented before the Minister.During the meeting, the Minister emphasized that the grants that are given to the NGOs for the promotion of Urdu Language should be utilized fully.Healso advised the Members to make random inspections of the NGOs to ensure that the grants issued are utilized in a transparent manner. He also suggestedto the Members to work closely with the Director and Vice Chairman to chart out activities of the Council and to ensure that the message reaches the general public that theGovernment is committed to the promotion of Urdu Language.
The HRD Minister announced that there is an increase in funding of the Urdu Council. He said that the funding of Urdu Council has been increasedfrom Rs. 45 crores in the year 2013-14 to Rs. 84 Crores in the year 2019-20. The increase in 45% funding in five years is phenomenal, he added. The Minister said that effective steps should be taken to utilize the increased amount.
The decision for extension of ‘The Paper Maché scheme’ which is currently implemented through Kashmir University has also been taken in the meeting. In this scheme Rs. 15 Lakhs is spent every year for training Kashmiri Youths in making Paper Machéproducts which has got a high demand in market. The Vision document and other Agenda items were also adopted during the meeting.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
MNRE amends bidding guidelines for wind power projects
Timeline for land acquisition for wind power projects extended from seven months to 18 months
The Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Wind Power Projects was notified on 8th December, 2017. Based on experience of bidding and after consultation with stakeholders, following amendment to these standard bidding guidelines for wind power projects, is carried out:
- The timeline for land acquisition for wind power projects has been extended from seven months to scheduled commissioning date, i.e. 18 months. This will help wind power project developers in states where land acquisition takes longer time.
- The window for revision of declared Capacity Utilisation Factor  of wind power project has been increased to three years. The declared CUF is now allowed to revise once within three year of commercial operation date, which was earlier allowed within one year only.
- The penalty on shortfall in energy corresponding to the minimum CUF, has now been fixed @ 50%  of the PPA tariff for the shortfall in energy terms liable to be paid by the Wind Power Generator to the Procurer. Further, the penalty shall be passed on by the Intermediary Procurer to the End Procurer after deducting the losses of Intermediary procurer.
- In cases of early part commissioning, the Procurer may purchase the generation, at full PPA tariff.
- Commissioning Schedule of wind power project has been defined as 18  months from the date of execution of the PPA or PSA, whichever is later.
The amendments intended not only to reduce the investment risks related to the land acquisition and CUF but also to provide incentives for early part commissioning of project. The subjectivity in penalty provisions has been removed and the penalty rate has been fixed. The risk of wind power developers in case of delay in signing of PSA has been mitigated by starting timeline of execution of project from date of signing of PPA or PSA, whichever is later.
Ministry of Power
NTPC develops infrastructure at Rihand for increasing the use of Fly Ash Utilization
NTPC Ltd., a central PSU under Ministry of Power and country’s largest power generation company, has developed an infrastructure at Rihand project in Uttar Pradesh to transport fly ash in bulk to cement plants, located at distance, at a cheaper cost. The development is in line with NTPC's commitment towards 100 percent utilization of fly ash from power plants.
As per a statement issued by NTPC Ltd., the first rake of 59 BOXN type of railway wagons carrying 3450 Metric Tonne  of fly ash was flagged off from NTPC’s Rihand Super Thermal Power station by Shri Balaji Iyengar, Executive Director  for ACC Cement Manufacturing Plant, Tikaria, U.P. located at a distance of 458 kms , in presence of other senior officials of NTPC Rihand.
Shri Lalit Trivedi, General Manager, East Central Railway and Shri Suresh Rathi, Head Supply Chain, ACC along with his team joined the occasion through video conferencing. To transfer the first tranche, officials from NTPC Rihand approached East Central Railway along with leading cement producers to commence the supply of fly ash in BOXN wagons covered with tarpaulin. The innovation will pave the way for efficient and safer transportation of fly ash from the power plants to cement production units located at a distance in larger quantity.
The effort marks the beginning of a new era for the transportation of fly ash from a remote location to a consumption centre, enabling power plants for upgrading the utilization of fly ash with the availability of additional material loading avenues for Indian Railways and accessibility of fly ash to the cement plants in an environment-friendly manner at a competitive price. During the financial year 2019-20, almost 44.33 million tonnes of fly ash was utilized for various productive purposes, being 73.31% of the ash generated.
Moreover, company is looking at new avenues of fly ash management like fly ash based geo-polymer road, use of bottom ash as replacement of fine aggregate  in cement concrete. Also, NTPC has plans to set up fly ash classifier unit for export purposes.
With a total installed capacity of 62.9 GW, NTPC Group has 70 Power stations comprising of 24 Coal, 7 combined cycle Gas/Liquid Fuel, 1 Hydro, 13 Renewables along with 25 Subsidiary & JV Power Stations. The group has over 20 GW of capacity under construction, including 5 GW of renewable energy projects.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to the great social reformer, thinker, philosopher and writer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on his birth anniversary.
Shri Modi said that Mahatma Jyotiba Phule remained committed to education of women and their empowerment throughout his life.
His devotion to social reforms will be a source of inspiration for coming generations, added the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister's Office
PM interacts with Maharashtra CM regarding situation arising due to flooding and heavy rain in parts of the state
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Maharashtra Chief Minister, Shri Uddhav Thackeray regarding the situation arising due to flooding and heavy rain in parts of the state.
"Spoke to Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray Ji regarding the situation arising due to flooding and heavy rain in parts of the state. My thoughts and prayers are with those sisters and brothers affected. Reiterated Centre’s support in the ongoing rescue and relief work", the Prime Minister said.